Stage 3: Emergency Restrictions Action Steps

During the continued existence of extraordinary drought conditions, the Western Virginia Water Authority may require that certain uses of water not essential to public health, safety and welfare be curtailed. In addition to the action steps in place under Voluntary Conservation and Mandatory Restrictions, the following Emergency Restrictions will be in effect:

• All public water uses not required for health or safety will be prohibited;
• Fire hydrant use will only be permitted for fire protection;
• Watering outdoor vegetation will be prohibited, except from a watering can or other container not exceeding three-gallons in capacity or with recycled water. Any person regularly engaged in the sale of plants will be permitted to irrigate only in amounts necessary to prevent the loss of nursery stock;
• Golf courses will not be permitted to water fairways, and greens can only be watered before 10 a.m. and after 12 midnight;
• The filling or refilling of swimming pools or wading pools will be prohibited; and
• Residential customers who exceed the greater of 5,000 gallons per month of consumption or use more than their base usage for the same period in the previous year will be charged two-times the prevailing second-tier consumption rates for their first month’s violation and for each subsequent violation. Residential customers who continue to exceed the greater of 5,000 gallons per month of consumption or use more than their base usage for the same period in the previous year will be subject to water service termination and reconnection fees.

The Authority reserves the right to modify this plan as conditions change.

If you have questions about the Authority's Drought Contingency Plan, please contact Customer Service.